Warm Weather and your Feet

The arrival of spring and nice weather means many things: spring cleaning, jumping in puddles and flying kites, the start of baseball season, and the budding of plants. But for many people it is a time to make some changes to their wardrobes. Coats, gloves, and hats get traded for shorts, t-shirts, and sandals. Flip flops or thong sandals are especially popular during this season. Flip flops are fun- they look good, are easy to get on and off, and are the perfect footwear for the beach. But here are a few other things about flip flops to keep in mind when getting ready for the season:

-Flip flops do not offer adequate support for your feet. They do not support your arch or your ankle. Prolonged wearing of flip flops can even alter your normal gait, as you walk differently in flip flops than in shoes or barefoot. You also increase your risk for ligament and tendon damage as you are more likely to twist, sprain, or strain your ankle in the event of a misstep.

-Flip flops do not offer protection for your skin. The skin on your feet, like all the skin on your body, is susceptible to sunburn. Flip flops also increase your risk for damage from debris (such as glass) where you are walking and damage from a stubbed toe.

-Flip flops can cause irritation between your toes, and just because they are open does not mean that you are free from the risk of fungi and infection. The chances of infection even increase in open wounds on your feet when they are in open shoes which expose them to greater amounts of dirt and bacteria. One way flip flops can help prevent bacterial and viral infections which cause fungus: Wear flip flops in public showers (like at the swimming pool, your gym, or YMCA) to avoid the spread of these bacteria and viruses to your feet. Bacteria and fungi thrive in these warm, wet areas.

-Most flip flops do not offer the same amount of traction as normal shoes. This means that you increase your risk or damage due to slipping. It also reduces your body control.

- The pain caused by wearing flip flops can transfer to your ankles, knees, hips and back, as misaligned feet are a common cause for pain in these areas.

This does not mean flip flops are only bad. They are convenient and stylish. But they should be worn intelligently. Do not wear flip flops for long periods of time or when traveling long distances. Do not participate in physical activities in flip flops. Keep your flip flops clean and dry- like all your other shoes. And if you are experiencing pain related to wearing your flip flops, stop wearing them and see your podiatrist for help relieving that pain.